A smart guide to using the FG 10 million loan for university and polytechnic staff.

If you work in a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education, the Federal Government just opened a door that could change your finances forever.

In July 2025, they launched something called the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), and it’s offering up to ₦10 million in low-interest loans for academic and non-academic staff.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Loan? Ah, I don’t want wahala.”
But hear me out. This isn’t just about borrowing money, it’s about using a rare opportunity to fund your growth, not your stress.

What exactly is the TISSF loan?

TISSF stands for Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund. It’s a government-backed, low-interest loan designed specifically to help public tertiary institution staff do more than just survive on salary.

You can use it for:

• Transportation (e.g., getting a reliable car or bike for mobility or delivery)
• Medical needs (big treatments or emergencies that would have drained your savings)
• Small businesses (like poultry, printing, food supply, rentals)
• Personal development (professional courses, certifications, tools for your trade)
• Welfare and family needs

The maximum you can borrow is 33.3% of your annual salary.

So if your gross annual salary is ₦3 million, you can access ₦1 million.
If you earn ₦6 million yearly, you can access ₦2 million.
That kind of money, if invested wisely, could plant seeds your salary alone might never allow.

Why this matters more than you think

Let’s be real, many Nigerians avoid loans because we’ve seen debt ruin people. And yes, when loans are used to fund consumption instead of growth, they become a trap.

But there’s another side to the story: strategic borrowing.
This is when you use borrowed money to create assets or income streams that can pay back the loan and still leave you richer.

Think about it:

• ₦1.5 million could buy two delivery bikes that earn ₦25,000 per week each. In a year, you’ve made back your capital and now have steady income.
• ₦2 million could set up a printing and lamination shop near your campus. Students will never stop printing.
• ₦800,000 could start a poultry farm producing eggs daily, which are in constant demand.
• ₦500,000 could fund professional training that doubles your earning power in the next 2 years.

The key is this: if you use the loan to build, it can become the stepping stone to financial freedom.

How to prepare so you don’t miss out

This loan is not automatic. Schools will be onboarded in batches, and when it’s time, those who are ready will get ahead. Preparation is the difference between winners and watchers.

Here’s how to position yourself:

1. Check your payslip — know your gross annual salary so you can estimate your eligible amount.
2. Draft a simple plan — write down exactly how you’ll use the money and how it will pay itself back. Even a one-page plan will help you think clearly.
3. Keep your records clean — you’ll need proof of employment and a good standing with your institution.
4. Ask questions early — visit your bursary or HR department to know when your school will start processing applications.
5. Understand BOI’s process — the Bank of Industry is the disbursing bank, so check their website or office for details on documentation, repayment, and timelines.

Here’s the truth:
If you take this loan to buy the latest phone, sponsor a lavish party, or pay for luxury you can’t sustain, you’re digging a hole.

But if you treat it as seed capital, it can create income, reduce financial pressure, and open doors for your family.

The goal is simple:

• Start with vision — know exactly what you want to achieve.
• Move with wisdom — choose a venture or investment you understand.
• Multiply with discipline — reinvest profits until the loan is cleared and the asset is yours.

An opportunity worth grabbing

Loans like this don’t come often, especially in Nigeria where interest rates can swallow your business before it starts. This one is government-backed, targeted at a stable workforce, and designed to be affordable.

If you work in a public university, polytechnic, or college of education, you have a head start. The question is, will you use it?

Remember, your salary is designed to keep you comfortable, not wealthy. If you want to grow beyond comfort, you need to leverage opportunities like this.

If you’re eligible for the TISSF loan, start preparing now.
Ask questions. Make a plan. Think like a builder, not just a borrower.

And when the time comes, step forward with confidence knowing you’re not just taking a loan — you’re planting a seed for your future.

Because in the end, we don’t grow by learning alone.
We grow by doing.

Grab the gist?